Making Pictures with Fabric & Thread (2 days)

On this workshop we will have fun making pictures using fabric and embroidery. If you are a beginner, you will learn how to do appliqué and simple embroidery stitches. If you are advanced, or have been on my workshops before, this is a chance to try out new ideas, perhaps incorporate some fabric painting, or making a picture on a different theme. You may want to try a jug of flowers, or a view of your house, or a few Christmas decorations.

You may want to make something for your own home, or perhaps a picture to celebrate a special event. I will have lots of images from which you might draw inspiration, as well as templates and tracings - or you can bring along something you want to try and make. With access to a generous collection of vintage textiles, you will spend the first day piecing your picture, and on the second day we will focus on adding embroidery and perhaps some paint. While the emphasis is on hand embroidery, there will be an opportunity to try some subtle machine embroidery as well, as well as some kantha quilting and other techniques. You do not need to use a sewing machine for the appliqué, but if you can, you can achieve faster results and try out some simple machine embroidery as well.

Student Requirements

Those of you familiar with Caroline’s workshops will know that she brings with her a generous selection of precious vintage textiles to use in the workshops, and makes her collection of vintage and new threads for both machine and hand stitching available to all at a cost of £10 payable to Caroline on the day. You may of course bring and use your own materials if you prefer.

Other kit to bring includes:

• sharp embroidery scissors
• assorted embroidery needles
• apron (we may do some painting)
• a piece of hard plastic (something like a plastic file or folder) to put your base linen on when you are painting it
• a small hair dryer if you have one, just to save time sharing
• sewing machine capable of machine embroidery (feed dogs down) only if you want to use a machine - not essential
• embroidery hoop if you have one (CZ will have a few to borrow if not)
• any images which have inspired you, although Caroline will also have these
• ruler
• tweezers
• watercolour paint box if you have them, if not Caroline will have paints, inks and brushes